Skiing Black Dome, Thomas Cole, Camels Hump, and Caudal Mountain 18/33

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Black Dome, Thomas Cole, Camels Hump, and Caudal Mountain 18/33

Today was one of the best ski days ever in the Catskills. Or as Doug Hughes would say, "It was siiick!"


 The snow was incredible! I broke trail on 4 peaks, though only one counted toward my goal, and I never got tired. That's how elated I was to be out there. I've been smiling for over 8 miles and it's still on my face.


The mountains were like a playground. It was jumping off everything into a pillow of clouds type of skiing. I took Monday and Tuesday off just so I can nab more peaks and continue this high I'm riding right now. Having snow makes a tremendous difference from riding around on rocks like last year.



While the snow was perfect to ski, it is weighing down the trees causing branches to hang low. However, the fix is easy. I just tap the branch with my ski poles to shake some snow off and the branches part like the Red Sea. 


It was my first backcountry excursion this season, so initially I was a bit nervous even though I knew this was an easy tour for the Catskills. But backcountry skiing is starting to feel like middle age--there's a greater sense of confidence and security because of experience. That doesn't mean that life or the mountain can't rock me at times, but the everyday stuff is easier to manage.


Today's IPA was my new #1 favorite Oh-J IPA from @lonepinebrewing . I give this a 10/10.




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